Anthony Fauci refused to answer questions at a congressional hearing by pleading the Fifth Amendment, reviving claims that the government silenced COVID dissent — bad news for his critics who wanted answers, and a fresh flashpoint over free speech.

• Fauci declined to answer, citing his right not to incriminate himself.
• The bigger charge: during COVID, the government pushed social media companies to erase views that disagreed with Fauci.
• Anyone questioning the official line was silenced, raising First Amendment concerns.
• The complaint is that Fauci used his legal right to stay quiet while critics never got the same freedom to speak.

Outlook: Expect the fight over COVID-era censorship and who directed it to keep driving political hearings and lawsuits.